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President Trump Awards Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Garlin M. Conner of Clinton County, Kentucky

June 26, 2018

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Trump posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Garlin Murl Conner in recognition of his extraordinary acts of bravery and selfless service to our nation during World War II. Congressman Comer joined First Lieutenant Conner’s family and friends at the White House to remember and honor this distinguished Clinton County native.

“It was an honor and a privilege to witness President Trump award our nation’s highest military distinction, the Medal of Honor, to First Lieutenant Garlin M. Conner of Clinton County, Kentucky,” said Congressman Comer. “For many years, First Lieutenant Conner’s wife, Pauline, and other members of his family and community have worked tirelessly to make this day possible. I was very proud to join Senator McConnell and Senator Paul in advocating for this American patriot to receive the recognition he so rightly deserves.”

In honor of First Lieutenant Conner, Congressman Comer entered the following tribute into the Congressional Record:

Statement of Representative James Comer

Submitted to the Congressional Record

June 26, 2018

Today is a momentous occasion for the family of a beloved Clinton County, Kentucky native and American hero, First Lieutenant Garlin Murl Conner.

First Lieutenant Conner enlisted in the Army on March 1, 1941 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He served on the front lines of ten campaigns, was injured seven times, and received a battlefield commission. While recovering from a serious hip wound at a field hospital in France, First Lieutenant Conner voluntarily left the hospital to rejoin his unit as Germany launched the brutal Operation Northwind to challenge the advancing Allied forces in the final months of World War II.

On January 24, 1945, First Lieutenant Conner ran ahead of the defending force – in the face of intense enemy fire – to attain a better position to call in artillery strikes on six hundred advancing enemy soldiers during a three-hour onslaught. At times, he even called in artillery on his own position. His bravery that day not only distinguished him as an intrepid, selfless patriot, but also saved the lives of his unit.

In acknowledgment of First Lieutenant Conner’s exceptional valor, President Donald J. Trump presented a posthumous Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military distinction, to his wife, Pauline Conner, in a ceremony at the White House today.

The Medal of Honor commemorates the extraordinary sacrifice and bravery of American heroes like First Lieutenant Conner. Today, I join this Clinton County native’s family and friends in celebrating his legacy and honoring his noble service to our nation.